The cameras are able to discern someone’s identity for taking a picture of their face. They then use a database to track their phone number. A text message is then sent, detailing the fine. The fine is also logged with the authorities.

The Providence Municipal Courts were overwhelmed last week by hundreds of individuals who were given tickets from speed cameras placed throughout Providence. Around 17,000 speeding tickets have already been issued to Providence drivers.

Tony Simon, the former Chief of Staff to Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza is the lobbyist for Conduent, the company that operates the speed trap cameras. Simon is paid $6,000 per month for his lobbying efforts.

A class action lawsuit has been filed to try to thwart the cameras in Providence.

Russell J. Moore is the publisher and founder of rirelevant.com. He’s been writing about Rhode Island since 2005. You should definitely follow him on twitter @russmoore713. If you want to send him email, you can send it to russmoore713@gmail.com